Re: [Leica] R4--A bad Camera?

["Dan Post" <dwpost@email.msn.com>]

Peter-
Supposedly, the R4 cameras with serial numbers earlier than 1600000 were
suspected of having 'faults'. Tales of woe similar to those you hear about
some R8s today; I feel certain that in the future, R8s with certain serial
numbers will be held in much the same regard.
However, due to the age of the camera, if that particular fault has not
shown up by now, then the probability is that the camera will NOT be a
lemon. I am sure that in the future, there will be some early run R8s that
exhibit no problems, either now or then, and this same conversation will be
had again!
I agree with you that the viewfinder is dim in the R4, and it is the reason
that for the SLR Leica in my life, I am staying with an SL which has a much
brighter viewfinder. You might consider trading, but if that is not
feasible, then rest assured that the R4 is a very fine camera, and like any
other camera has certain limitations. If yours has prove reliable to this
point, I would not hesitate to use it; try to wear it out!
Take pictures! I have a 30 year old SL that is still chugging, and Sherry
assures me that if I take reasonable care of it, my grandchildren will enjoy
it too!
I think your only fear with the R4 is that they my someday stop making
batteries that fit it!
Dan
- -----Original Message-----
From: palmieri <palmieri@cybernex.net>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 1:08 AM
Subject: [Leica] R4--A bad Camera?


>Ted Grand wrote (snipped)--
>
>>The previous cameras were
>>replaced due to "upgrading models" and not because they broke down. (other
>>than one no good rotten *#*#!!%&*** R4!!  Leica replaced it!):)
>
>Hello All--
>
>I have an R4 that was just "reconditioned" to Leica specs within the last
>month. The focus was off as was the light meter. There were some other
minor
>things that were taken care of. Maybe it was foolish of me to spend as much
>to have this work done as I see these cameras selling for on the used
>market.
>
>Over the years I have used this camera sparingly because I had a hard time
>focusing it (and still do). I find that the finder is much darker than my
>Nikons and it is hard to read the settings in dull light. But, these are
>really not big complaints because when I get it right the camera is able to
>produce some really outstanding quality photos. I use it on a tripod 90% of
>the time so focusing it accurately is not really an issue as I can take my
>time to get it right. I use a diopter to help me get the focus right.
>
>I would like to know what makes the R4 such a criticized camera. Not that I
>plan to argue about or defend its merits and/or faults, only that I would
>like to understand from much more knowledgeable "Leica" people what its
>faults are in absolute terms and relative to other R Leicas. Too, what
>should I be alert about in using this oldish camera (which looks like it
>just came out of the box!)?
>
>Any advice, help and information would be very much appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Peter in NJ
>
>
>
>
>